British Chancellor (Treasury Secretary) Gordon Brown Thursday instructed UK financial institutions to freeze all assets belonging to the Al-Aqsa Foundation, after intelligence reports linked the organization with "terrorist activity," the British prime ministry said. The action has been taken after consultations with the United States and other international allies, it added.

Commenting on the issue, Brown said: "Recent terrorist atrocities in Saudi Arabia and Morocco show that we must remain constantly vigilant and bear down strongly on terrorism and the people who fund it. Today's action, taken in coordination with our international allies, will ensure that no UK funds belonging to the Al-Aqsa Foundation can be used to support terrorism."

"Strong evidence" from international law enforcement agencies links the foundation,which claims to be a charity supporting widows and orphans, with "terrorist" activity, the British statement claimed.

Brown has instructed the Bank of England to ensure that all financial institutions take immediate action to freeze its assets. (Albawaba.com)